Surgical frame including torso-sling and method for use thereof

ABSTRACT

A torso-sling is provided to support at least a portion of the body of a patient on a surgical frame. The torso-sling is used in supporting at least a portion of the patient&#39;s torso. The torso-sling is supported relative to the surgical frame using a support bracket that can be attached to a chest support plate of the surgical frame. The torso-sling includes a frame portion, at least a first support strap, and at least a second support strap. The frame portion defines an access area, and the frame portion includes a first side portion, a second side portion, and a transition portion joining the first and second side portions together. The first side portion is configured for positioning adjacent a first lateral side on the posterior side of the patient, the second side portion is configured for positioning adjacent a second lateral side on the posterior side of the patient, and the transition portion is configured for positioning adjacent the neck and shoulders on the posterior side of the patient. The first support strap extends from the support bracket to the first side portion, the first support strap, when the patient is supported by the surgical frame and the torso-sling supports portions of the torso of the patient, extending in part adjacent portions of the first lateral side of the torso of the patient. The second support strap extends from the support bracket to the second side portion, the second support strap, when the patient is supported by the surgical frame and the torso-sling supports the portions of the torso of the patient, extending in part adjacent and contacting portions the second lateral side of the torso and the anterior torso of the patient.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/732,795, filed Jan. 2, 2020; which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/674,456, filed Aug. 10, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,543,142; all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a surgical frame incorporating atorso-sling for supporting the torso of a patient. More particularly,the present invention relates to a surgical frame incorporating atorso-sling configured to facilitate hanging the torso of the patient onthe surgical frame. More specifically, the present invention relates toa surgical frame incorporating a torso-sling that includes a supportframe and support straps for hanging the torso of the patient relativeto the remainder of the surgical frame.

Description of the Prior Art

Typically, surgical frames rely solely on torso supports contacting thechest of a patient in combination with support straps to support thetorso of the patient. The chest of the patient is contacted with thetorso support, and the support straps are wound around the patient andthe torso support to secure the patient's torso to the surgical frame.Securement of the patient's torso to the surgical frame in this mannercan (when using a specially-configured surgical frame) facilitaterepositioning of the patient between prone and lateral positions. Use ofsupport straps in this manner, however, can cover portions of the backand lateral sides of the patient, thus interfering with access thereto.Therefore, there is a need for a torso-sling that incorporates a supportframe in combination with support straps that facilitate attachment tothe remainder of the surgical frame, while also providing at leastaccess to the back of the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in one preferred embodiment contemplates asurgical frame for supporting a patient including a main beam forsupporting at least a portion of the body of the patient relativethereto, the main beam including a first end, a second end, and a lengthextending between the first and second ends, a first arm support and asecond arm support attached to the main beam, the first and second armsupports configured to support portions of the arms of the patient, aleg support attached to the main beam, the leg support configured tosupport portions of the legs of the patient; a chest support plate and atorso-sling including a support bracket configured to support portionsof the torso of the patient, the chest support plate being attached tothe main beam, the support bracket being attached to the chest supportplate, and the torso-sling being supported by the support bracket, thetorso-sling being configured to support portions of the torso of thepatient, the torso-sling including a frame portion, at least a firstsupport strap, and at least a second support strap, the frame portionincluding a first side portion, a second side portion, and a transitionportion joining the first and second side portions together, the firstside portion being configured for positioning adjacent a first lateralside on the posterior side of the patient, the second side portion beingconfigured for positioning adjacent a second lateral side on theposterior side of the patient, and the transition portion beingconfigured for positioning adjacent the neck and shoulders on theposterior side of the patient, the first support strap extending fromthe support bracket to the first side portion, the first support strap,when the patient is supported by the surgical frame and the torso-slingsupports the portions of the torso of the patient, extending in partadjacent portions of the first lateral side of the torso of the patient,the second support strap extending from the support bracket to thesecond side portion, the second support strap, when the patient issupported by the surgical frame and the torso-sling supports theportions of the torso of the patient, extending in part adjacent andcontacting portions the second lateral side of the torso and theanterior torso of the patient.

The present invention in another preferred embodiment contemplates asurgical frame for supporting a patient including a main beam forsupporting at least a portion of the body of the patient relativethereto, the main beam including a first end, a second end, and a lengthextending between the first and second ends, a chest support plate and atorso-sling including a support bracket configured to support portionsof the torso of the patient, the chest support plate being attached tothe main beam, the support bracket being attached to the chest supportplate, and the torso-sling being supported by the support bracket, thetorso-sling being configured to support portions of the torso of thepatient, the torso-sling including a frame portion, at least a firstsupport strap, and at least a second support strap, the frame portionincluding a first side portion, a second side portion, and a transitionportion joining the first and second side portions together, the firstside portion being configured for positioning adjacent a first lateralside on the posterior side of the patient, the second side portion beingconfigured for positioning adjacent a second lateral side on theposterior side of the patient, and the transition portion beingconfigured for positioning adjacent the neck and shoulders on theposterior side of the patient, the first side portion, the second sideportion, and the transition portion defining an access areatherebetween, the access area, when the patient is supported by thetorso-sling, affording access to the posterior torso of the patient, thefirst support strap extending from the support bracket to the first sideportion, the first support strap, when the patient is supported by thesurgical frame and the torso-sling supports the portions of the torso ofthe patient, extending in part adjacent portions of the first lateralside of the torso of the patient, the second support strap extendingfrom the support bracket to the second side portion, the second supportstrap, when the patient is supported by the surgical frame and thetorso-sling supports the portions of the torso of the patient, extendingin part adjacent and contacting portions the second lateral side of thetorso and the anterior torso of the patient.

The present invention in yet another preferred embodiment contemplates asurgical frame for supporting a patient including a main beam forsupporting at least a portion of the body of the patient relativethereto, the main beam including a first end, a second end, and a lengthextending between the first and second ends, a chest support plate and atorso-sling including a support bracket configured to support portionsof the torso of the patient, the chest support plate being attached tothe main beam, and the torso-sling being supported relative to the chestsupport plate, the torso-sling being configured to support portions ofthe torso of the patient, the torso-sling including a frame portion, atleast a first support strap, and at least a second support strap, theframe portion including a first side portion for positioning adjacent afirst lateral side of the patient, a second side portion for positioningadjacent a second lateral side of the patient, and a transition portionjoining the first and second side portions together, the first sideportion, the second side portion, and the transition portion defining anaccess area therebetween, the access area, when the patient is supportedby the torso-sling, affording access to the posterior torso of thepatient, the first support strap extending from the support bracket tothe first side portion, the first support strap, when the patient issupported by the surgical frame and the torso-sling supports theportions of the torso of the patient, extending in part adjacentportions of the first lateral side of the torso of the patient, thesecond support strap extending from the support bracket to the secondside portion, the second support strap, when the patient is supported bythe surgical frame and the torso-sling supports the portions of thetorso of the patient, extending in part adjacent and contacting portionsthe second lateral side of the torso and the anterior torso of thepatient.

These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from areview of the following specification and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a prior art surgical frame with apatient positioned thereon in a prone position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the surgical frame of FIG. 1 withthe patient positioned thereon in a prone position;

FIG. 3 is another side elevational view of the surgical frame of FIG. 1with the patient positioned thereon in a prone position;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the surgical frame of FIG. 1 with thepatient positioned thereon in a prone position;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the surgical frame of FIG. 1 withthe patient positioned thereon in a lateral position;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of portions of the surgical frame ofFIG. 1 showing an area of access to the head of the patient positionedthereon in a prone position;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the surgical frame of FIG. 1showing a torso-lift support supporting the patient in a liftedposition;

FIG. 8 is another side elevational view of the surgical frame of FIG. 1showing the torso-lift support supporting the patient in the liftedposition;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged top perspective view of portions of the surgicalframe of FIG. 1 showing the torso-lift support supporting the patient inan unlifted position;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged top perspective view of portions of the surgicalframe of FIG. 1 showing the torso-lift support supporting the patient inthe lifted position;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged top perspective view of componentry of thetorso-lift support in the unlifted position;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged top perspective view of the componentry of thetorso-lift support in the lifted position;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a structural offsetmain beam for use with another embodiment of a torso-lift supportshowing the torso-lift support in a retracted position;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view similar to FIG. 13A showing thetorso-lift support at half travel;

FIG. 13C is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 13A and 13B showing thetorso-lift support at full travel;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a chest support lift mechanism of thetorso-lift support of FIGS. 13A-13C with actuators thereof retracted;

FIG. 15 is another perspective view of a chest support lift mechanism ofthe torso-lift support of FIGS. 13A-13C with the actuators thereofextended;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the surgical frame of FIG. 5;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged top perspective view of portions of the surgicalframe of FIG. 1 showing a sagittal adjustment assembly including apelvic-tilt mechanism and leg adjustment mechanism;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged side elevational view of portions of the surgicalframe of FIG. 1 showing the pelvic-tilt mechanism;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of componentry of thepelvic-tilt mechanism;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a captured rack and a wormgear assembly of the componentry of the pelvic-tilt mechanism;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of the worm gear assembly ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of portions of the surgical frame ofFIG. 1 showing the patient positioned thereon and the pelvic-tiltmechanism of the sagittal adjustment assembly in the flexed position;

FIG. 23 is another side elevational view of portions of the surgicalframe of FIG. 1 showing the patient positioned thereon and thepelvic-tilt mechanism of the sagittal adjustment assembly in the fullyextended position;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged top perspective view of portions of the surgicalframe of FIG. 1 showing a coronal adjustment assembly;

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of portions of the surgical frame ofFIG. 1 showing operation of the coronal adjustment assembly;

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of a portion of the surgical frame ofFIG. 1 showing operation of the coronal adjustment assembly;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a portion of the posterior side ofa patient and a portion of a torso-sling in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention supporting the patient in a lateralposition with respect to a surgical frame;

FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of a portion of the upper torso, theleft shoulder, the head, and the upper left arm from the posterior sideof the patient and a portion of the torso-sling supporting the patientin the lateral position with respect to the surgical frame;

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of a portion of the torso, the rightshoulder, a portion of the head, and the upper right arm from theposterior side of the patient and a portion of the torso-slingsupporting the patient in the lateral position with respect to thesurgical frame;

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of a portion of the upper torso, theright shoulder, the head, and the upper right arm from the posteriorside of the patient and a portion of the torso-sling supporting thepatient in the lateral position with respect to the surgical frame;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the chest, the head, theshoulders, the upper arms from the anterior side of the patient and aportion of the torso-sling and a chest support structure supporting thepatient in the lateral position with respect to the surgical frame; and

FIG. 32 is a side elevational view of the torso and a portion of thehead of the patient from the anterior side of the patient and a portionof the torso-sling supporting the patient in the lateral position withrespect to the surgical frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1-26 depict a prior art embodiment and components of a surgicalsupport frame generally indicated by the numeral 10. FIGS. 1-26 werepreviously described in U.S. Ser. No. 15/239,256, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. As discussed below,the surgical frame 10 serves as an exoskeleton to support the body ofthe patient P as the patient's body is manipulated thereby, and, indoing so, serves to support the patient P such that the patient's spinedoes not experience unnecessary torsion.

The surgical frame 10 is configured to provide a relatively minimalamount of structure adjacent the patient's spine to facilitate accessthereto and to improve the quality of imaging available before andduring surgery. Thus, the surgeon's workspace and imaging access arethereby increased. Furthermore, radio-lucent or low magneticsusceptibility materials can be used in constructing the structuralcomponents adjacent the patient's spine in order to further enhanceimaging quality.

The surgical frame 10 has a longitudinal axis and a length therealong.As depicted in FIGS. 1-5, for example, the surgical frame 10 includes anoffset structural main beam 12 and a support structure 14. The offsetmain beam 12 is spaced from the ground by the support structure 14. Asdiscussed below, the offset main beam 12 is used in supporting thepatient P on the surgical frame 10 and various support components of thesurgical frame 10 that directly contact the patient P (such as a headsupport 20, arm supports 22A and 22B, torso-lift supports 24 and 160, asagittal adjustment assembly 28 including a pelvic-tilt mechanism 30 anda leg adjustment mechanism 32, and a coronal adjustment assembly 34). Asdiscussed below, an operator such as a surgeon can control actuation ofthe various support components to manipulate the position of thepatient's body. Soft straps (not shown) are used with these varioussupport components to secure the patient P to the frame and to enableeither manipulation or fixation of the patient P. Reusable soft pads canbe used on the load-bearing areas of the various support components.

The offset main beam 12 is used to facilitate rotation of the patient P.The offset main beam 12 can be rotated a full 360° before and duringsurgery to facilitate various positions of the patient P to affordvarious surgical pathways to the patient's spine depending on thesurgery to be performed. For example, the offset main beam 12 can bepositioned to place the patient P in a prone position (e.g., FIGS. 1-4),a lateral position (e.g., FIG. 5), and in a position 45° between theprone and lateral positions. Furthermore, the offset main beam 12 can berotated to afford anterior, posterior, lateral, anterolateral, andposterolateral pathways to the spine. As such, the patient's body can beflipped numerous times before and during surgery without compromisingsterility or safety. The various support components of the surgicalframe 10 are strategically placed to further manipulate the patient'sbody into position before and during surgery. Such intraoperativemanipulation and positioning of the patient P affords a surgeonsignificant access to the patient's body. To illustrate, when the offsetmain beam 12 is rotated to position the patient P in a lateral position,as depicted in FIG. 5, the head support 20, the arm supports 22A and22B, the torso-lift support 24, the sagittal adjustment assembly 28,and/or the coronal adjustment assembly 34 can be articulated such thatthe surgical frame 10 is OLIF-capable or DLIF-capable.

As depicted in FIG. 1, for example, the support structure 14 includes afirst support portion 40 and a second support portion 42 interconnectedby a cross member 44. Each of the first and second support portions 40and 42 include a horizontal portion 46 and a vertical support post 48.The horizontal portions 46 are connected to the cross member 44, andcasters 50 can be attached to the horizontal portions 46 to facilitatemovement of the surgical frame 10.

The vertical support posts 48 can be adjustable to facilitate expansionand contraction of the heights thereof. Expansion and contraction of thevertical support posts 48 facilitates raising and lowering,respectively, of the offset main beam 12. As such, the vertical supportposts 48 can be adjusted to have equal or different heights. Forexample, the vertical support posts 48 can be adjusted such that thevertical support post 48 of the second support portion 42 is raised 12inches higher than the vertical support post 48 of the first supportportion 40 to place the patient P in a reverse Trendelenburg position.

Furthermore, cross member 44 can be adjustable to facilitate expansionand contraction of the length thereof. Expansion and contraction of thecross member 44 facilitates lengthening and shortening, respectively, ofthe distance between the first and second support portions 40 and 42.

The vertical support post 48 of the first and second support portions 40and 42 have heights at least affording rotation of the offset main beam12 and the patient P positioned thereon. Each of the vertical supportposts 48 include a clevis 60, a support block 62 positioned in theclevis 60, and a pin 64 pinning the clevis 60 to the support block 62.The support blocks 62 are capable of pivotal movement relative to theclevises 60 to accommodate different heights of the vertical supportposts 48. Furthermore, axles 66 extending outwardly from the offset mainbeam 12 are received in apertures 68 formed the support blocks 62. Theaxles 66 define an axis of rotation of the offset main beam 12, and theinteraction of the axles 66 with the support blocks 62 facilitaterotation of the offset main beam 12.

Furthermore, a servomotor 70 can be interconnected with the axle 66received in the support block 62 of the first support portion 40. Theservomotor 70 can be computer controlled and/or operated by the operatorof the surgical frame 10 to facilitate controlled rotation of the offsetmain beam 12. Thus, by controlling actuation of the servomotor 70, theoffset main beam 12 and the patient P supported thereon can be rotatedto afford the various surgical pathways to the patient's spine.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-5, for example, the offset main beam 12 includesa forward portion 72 and a rear portion 74. The forward portion 72supports the head support 20, the arm supports 22A and 22B, thetorso-lift support 24, and the coronal adjustment assembly 34, and therear portion 74 supports the sagittal adjustment assembly 28. Theforward and rear portions 72 and 74 are connected to one another byconnection member 76 shared therebetween. The forward portion 72includes a first portion 80, a second portion 82, a third portion 84,and a fourth portion 86. The first portion 80 extends transversely tothe axis of rotation of the offset main beam 12, and the second andfourth portions 82 and 86 are aligned with the axis of rotation of theoffset main beam 12. The rear portion 74 includes a first portion 90, asecond portion 92, and a third portion 94. The first and third portions90 and 94 are aligned with the axis of rotation of the offset main beam12, and the second portion 92 extends transversely to the axis ofrotation of the offset main beam 12.

The axles 66 are attached to the first portion 80 of the forward portion72 and to the third portion 94 of the rear portion 74. The lengths ofthe first portion 80 of the forward portion 72 and the second portion 92of the rear portion 74 serve in offsetting portions of the forward andrear portions 72 and 74 from the axis of rotation of the offset mainbeam 12. This offset affords positioning of the cranial-caudal axis ofpatient P approximately aligned with the axis of rotation of the offsetmain beam 12.

Programmable settings controlled by a computer controller (not shown)can be used to maintain an ideal patient height for a working positionof the surgical frame 10 at a near-constant position through rotationcycles, for example, between the patient positions depicted in FIGS. 1and 5. This allows for a variable axis of rotation between the firstportion 40 and the second portion 42.

As depicted in FIG. 5, for example, the head support 20 is attached to achest support plate 100 of the torso-lift support 24 to support the headof the patient P. If the torso-lift support 24 is not used, the headsupport 20 can be directly attached to the forward portion 72 of theoffset main beam 12. As depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6, for example, the headsupport 20 further includes a facial support cradle 102, an axiallyadjustable head support beam 104, and a temple support portion 106. Softstraps (not shown) can be used to secure the patient P to the headsupport 20. The facial support cradle 102 includes padding across theforehead and cheeks, and provides open access to the mouth of thepatient P. The head support 20 also allows for imaging access to thecervical spine. Adjustment of the head support 20 is possible viaadjusting the angle and the length of the head support beam 104 and thetemple support portion 106.

As depicted in FIG. 5, for example, the arm supports 22A and 22B contactthe forearms and support the remainder of the arms of the patient P,with the first arm support 22A and the second arm support 22B attachedto the chest support plate 100 of the torso-lift support 24. If thetorso-lift support 24 is not used, the arm supports 22A and 22B can bothbe directly attached to the offset main beam 12. The arm supports 22Aand 22B are positioned such that the arms of the patient P are spacedaway from the remainder of the patient's body to provide access (FIG. 6)to at least portions of the face and neck of the patient P, therebyproviding greater access to the patient.

As depicted in FIGS. 7-12, for example, the surgical frame 10 includes atorso-lift capability for lifting and lowering the torso of the patientP between an uplifted position and a lifted position, which is describedin detail below with respect to the torso-lift support 24. As depictedin FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, the torso-lift capability has anapproximate center of rotation (“COR”) 108 that is located at a positionanterior to the patient's spine about the L2 of the lumbar spine, and iscapable of elevating the upper body of the patient at least anadditional six inches when measured at the chest support plate 100.

As depicted in FIGS. 9-12, for example, the torso-lift support 24includes a “crawling” four-bar mechanism 110 attached to the chestsupport plate 100. Soft straps (not shown) can be used to secure thepatient P to the chest support plate 100. The head support 20 and thearm supports 22A and 22B are attached to the chest support plate 100,thereby moving with the chest support plate 100 as the chest supportplate 100 is articulated using the torso-lift support 24. The fixed COR108 is defined at the position depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. Appropriateplacement of the COR 108 is important so that spinal cord integrity isnot compromised (i.e., overly compressed or stretched) during the liftmaneuver performed by the torso-lift support 24.

As depicted in FIGS. 10-12, for example, the four-bar mechanism 110includes first links 112 pivotally connected between offset main beam 12and the chest support plate 100, and second links 114 pivotallyconnected between the offset main beam 12 and the chest support plate100. As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, for example, in order to maintainthe COR 108 at the desired fixed position, the first and second links112 and 114 of the four-bar mechanism 110 crawl toward the first supportportion 40 of the support structure 14, when the patient's upper body isbeing lifted. The first and second links 112 and 114 are arranged suchthat neither the surgeon's workspace nor imaging access are compromisedwhile the patient's torso is being lifted.

As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, for example, each of the first links 112define an L-shape, and includes a first pin 116 at a first end 118thereof. The first pin 116 extends through first elongated slots 120defined in the offset main beam 12, and the first pin 116 connects thefirst links 112 to a dual rack and pinion mechanism 122 via a drive nut124 provided within the offset main beam 12, thus defining a lower pivotpoint thereof. Each of the first links 112 also includes a second pin126 positioned proximate the corner of the L-shape. The second pin 126extends through second elongated slots 128 defined in the offset mainbeam 12, and is linked to a carriage 130 of rack and pinion mechanism122. Each of the first links 112 also includes a third pin 132 at asecond end 134 that is pivotally attached to chest support plate 100,thus defining an upper pivot point thereof.

As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, for example, each of the second links114 includes a first pin 140 at a first end 142 thereof. The first pin140 extends through the first elongated slot 120 defined in the offsetmain beam 12, and the first pin 140 connects the second links 114 to thedrive nut 124 of the rack and pinion mechanism 122, thus defining alower pivot point thereof. Each of the second links 114 also includes asecond pin 144 at a second end 146 that is pivotally connected to thechest support plate 100, thus defining an upper pivot point thereof.

As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rack and pinion mechanism 122includes a drive screw 148 engaging the drive nut 124. Coupled gears 150are attached to the carriage 130. The larger of the gears 150 engage anupper rack 152 (fixed within the offset main beam 12), and the smallerof the gears 150 engage a lower rack 154. The carriage 130 is defined asa gear assembly that floats between the two racks 152 and 154.

As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rack and pinion mechanism 122converts rotation of the drive screw 148 into linear translation of thefirst and second links 112 and 114 in the first and second elongatedslots 120 and 128 toward the first portion 40 of the support structure14. As the drive nut 124 translates along drive screw 148 (via rotationof the drive screw 148), the carriage 130 translates towards the firstportion 40 with less travel due to the different gear sizes of thecoupled gears 150. The difference in travel, influenced by differentgear ratios, causes the first links 112 pivotally attached thereto tolift the chest support plate 100. Lowering of the chest support plate100 is accomplished by performing this operation in reverse. The secondlinks 114 are “idler” links (attached to the drive nut 124 and the chestsupport plate 100) that controls the tilt of the chest support plate 100as it is being lifted and lowered. All components associated withlifting while tilting the chest plate predetermine where COR 108resides. Furthermore, a servomotor (not shown) interconnected with thedrive screw 148 can be computer controlled and/or operated by theoperator of the surgical frame 10 to facilitate controlled lifting andlowering of the chest support plate 100. A safety feature can beprovided, enabling the operator to read and limit a lifting and loweringforce applied by the torso-lift support 24 in order to prevent injury tothe patient P. Moreover, the torso-lift support 24 can also includesafety stops (not shown) to prevent over-extension or compression of thepatient P, and sensors (not shown) programmed to send patient positionfeedback to the safety stops.

An alternative preferred embodiment of a torso-lift support is generallyindicated by the numeral 160 in FIGS. 13A-15. As depicted in FIGS.13A-13C, an alternate offest main beam 162 is utilized with thetorso-lift support 160. Furthermore, the torso-lift support 160 has asupport plate 164 pivotally linked to the offset main beam 162 by achest support lift mechanism 166. An arm support rod/plate 168 isconnected to the support plate 164, and the second arm support 22B. Thesupport plate 164 is attached to the chest support plate 100, and thechest support lift mechanism 166 includes various actuators 170A, 170B,and 170C used to facilitate positioning and repositioning of the supportplate 164 (and hence, the chest support plate 100).

As discussed below, the torso-lift support 160 depicted in FIGS. 13A-15enables a COR 172 thereof to be programmably altered such that the COR172 can be a fixed COR or a variable COR. As their names suggest, thefixed COR stays in the same position as the torso-lift support 160 isactuated, and the variable COR moves between a first position and asecond position as the torso-lift support 160 is actuated between itsinitial position and final position at full travel thereof. Appropriateplacement of the COR 172 is important so that spinal cord integrity isnot compromised (i.e., overly compressed or stretched). Thus, thesupport plate 164 (and hence, the chest support plate 100) follows apath coinciding with a predetermined COR 172 (either fixed or variable).FIG. 13A depicts the torso-lift support 160 retracted, FIG. 13B depictsthe torso-lift support 160 at half travel, and FIG. 13C depicts thetorso-lift support 160 at full travel.

As discussed above, the chest support lift mechanism 166 includes theactuators 170A, 170B, and 170C to position and reposition the supportplate 164 (and hence, the chest support plate 100). As depicted in FIGS.14 and 15, for example, the first actuator 170A, the second actuator170B, and the third actuator 170C are provided. Each of the actuators170A, 170B, and 170C are interconnected with the offset main beam 12 andthe support plate 164, and each of the actuators 170A, 170B, and 170Care moveable between a retracted and extended position. As depicted inFIGS. 13A-13C, the first actuator 170A is pinned to the offset main beam162 using a pin 174 and pinned to the support plate 164 using a pin 176.Furthermore, the second and third actuators 170B and 170C are receivedwithin the offset main beam 162. The second actuator 170B isinterconnected with the offset main beam 162 using a pin 178, and thethird actuator 170C is interconnected with the offset main beam 162using a pin 180.

The second actuator 170B is interconnected with the support plate 164via first links 182, and the third actuator 170C is interconnected withthe support plate 164 via second links 184. First ends 190 of the firstlinks 182 are pinned to the second actuator 170B and elongated slots 192formed in the offset main beam 162 using a pin 194, and first ends 200of the second links 184 are pinned to the third actuator 170C andelongated slots 202 formed in the offset main beam 162 using a pin 204.The pins 194 and 204 are moveable within the elongated slots 192 and202. Furthermore, second ends 210 of the first links 182 are pinned tothe support plate 164 using the pin 176, and second ends 212 of thesecond links 184 are pinned to the support plate 164 using a pin 214. Tolimit interference therebetween, as depicted in FIGS. 13A-13C, the firstlinks 182 are provided on the exterior of the offset main beam 162, and,depending on the position thereof, the second links 184 are positionedon the interior of the offset main beam 162.

Actuation of the actuators 170A, 170B, and 170C facilitates movement ofthe support plate 164. Furthermore, the amount of actuation of theactuators 170A, 170B, and 170C can be varied to affect differentpositions of the support plate 164. As such, by varying the amount ofactuation of the actuators 170A, 1706, and 170C, the COR 172 thereof canbe controlled. As discussed above, the COR 172 can be predetermined, andcan be either fixed or varied. Furthermore, the actuation of theactuators 170A, 170B, and 170C can be computer controlled and/oroperated by the operator of the surgical frame 10, such that the COR 172can be programmed by the operator. As such, an algorithm can be used todetermine the rates of extension of the actuators 170A, 1706, and 170Cto control the COR 172, and the computer controls can handleimplementation of the algorithm to provide the predetermined COR. Asafety feature can be provided, enabling the operator to read and limita lifting force applied by the actuators 170A, 170B, and 170C in orderto prevent injury to the patient P. Moreover, the torso-lift support 160can also include safety stops (not shown) to prevent over-extension orcompression of the patient P, and sensors (not shown) programmed to sendpatient position feedback to the safety stops.

FIGS. 16-23 depict portions of the sagittal adjustment assembly 28. Thesagittal adjustment assembly 28 can be used to distract or compress thepatient's lumbar spine during or after lifting or lowering of thepatient's torso by the torso-lift supports. The sagittal adjustmentassembly 28 supports and manipulates the lower portion of the patient'sbody. In doing so, the sagittal adjustment assembly 28 is configured tomake adjustments in the sagittal plane of the patient's body, includingtilting the pelvis, controlling the position of the upper and lowerlegs, and lordosing the lumbar spine.

As depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17, for example, the sagittal adjustmentassembly 28 includes the pelvic-tilt mechanism 30 for supporting thethighs and lower legs of the patient P. The pelvic-tilt mechanism 30includes a thigh cradle 220 configured to support the patient's thighs,and a lower leg cradle 222 configured to support the patient's shins.Different sizes of thigh and lower leg cradles can be used toaccommodate different sizes of patients, i.e., smaller thigh and lowerleg cradles can be used with smaller patients, and larger thigh andlower leg cradles can be used with larger patients. Soft straps (notshown) can be used to secure the patient P to the thigh cradle 220 andthe lower leg cradle 222. The thigh cradle 220 and the lower leg cradle222 are moveable and pivotal with respect to one another and to theoffset main beam 12. To facilitate rotation of the patient's hips, thethigh cradle 220 and the lower leg cradle 222 can be positioned anteriorand inferior to the patient's hips.

As depicted in FIGS. 18 and 25, for example, a first support strut 224and second support struts 226 are attached to the thigh cradle 220.Furthermore, third support struts 228 are attached to the lower legcradle 222. The first support strut 224 is pivotally attached to theoffset main beam 12 via a support plate 230 and a pin 232, and thesecond support struts 226 are pivotally attached to the third supportstruts 228 via pins 234. The pins 234 extend through angled end portions236 and 238 of the second and third support struts 226 and 228,respectively. Furthermore, the lengths of second and third supportstruts 226 and 228 are adjustable to facilitate expansion andcontraction of the lengths thereof.

To accommodate patients with different torso lengths, the position ofthe thigh cradle 220 can be adjustable by moving the support plate 230along the offset main beam 12. Furthermore, to accommodate patients withdifferent thigh and lower leg lengths, the lengths of the second andthird support struts 226 and 228 can be adjusted.

To control the pivotal angle between the second and third support struts226 and 228 (and hence, the pivotal angle between the thigh cradle 220and lower leg cradle 222), a link 240 is pivotally connected to acaptured rack 242 via a pin 244. The captured rack 242 includes anelongated slot 246, through which is inserted a worm gear shaft 248 of aworm gear assembly 250. The worm gear shaft 248 is attached to a gear252 provided on the interior of the captured rack 242. The gear 252contacts teeth 254 provided inside the captured rack 242, and rotationof the gear 252 (via contact with the teeth 254) causes motion of thecaptured rack 242 upwardly and downwardly. The worm gear assembly 250,as depicted in FIGS. 19-21, for example, includes worm gears 256 whichengage a drive shaft 258, and which are connected to the worm gear shaft248.

The worm gear assembly 250 also is configured to function as a brake,which prevents unintentional movement of the sagittal adjustmentassembly 28. Rotation of the drive shaft 258 causes rotation of the wormgears 256, thereby causing reciprocal vertical motion of the capturedrack 242. The vertical reciprocal motion of the captured rack 242 causescorresponding motion of the link 240, which in turn pivots the secondand third support struts 226 and 228 to correspondingly pivot the thighcradle 220 and lower leg cradle 222. A servomotor (not shown)interconnected with the drive shaft 258 can be computer controlledand/or operated by the operator of the surgical frame 10 to facilitatecontrolled reciprocal motion of the captured rack 242.

The sagittal adjustment assembly 28 also includes the leg adjustmentmechanism 32 facilitating articulation of the thigh cradle 220 and thelower leg cradle 222 with respect to one another. In doing so, the legadjustment mechanism 32 accommodates the lengthening and shortening ofthe patient's legs during bending thereof. As depicted in FIG. 17, forexample, the leg adjustment mechanism 32 includes a first bracket 260and a second bracket 262 attached to the lower leg cradle 222. The firstbracket 260 is attached to a first carriage portion 264, and the secondbracket 262 is attached to a second carriage portion 266 via pins 270and 272, respectively. The first carriage portion 264 is slidable withinthird portion 94 of the rear portion 74 of the offset main beam 12, andthe second carriage portion 266 is slidable within the first portion 90of the rear portion 74 of the offset main beam 12. An elongated slot 274is provided in the first portion 90 to facilitate engagement of thesecond bracket 262 and the second carriage portion 266 via the pin 272.As the thigh cradle 220 and the lower leg cradle 222 articulate withrespect to one another (and the patient's legs bend accordingly), thefirst carriage 264 and the second carriage 266 can move accordingly toaccommodate such movement.

The pelvic-tilt mechanism 30 is movable between a flexed position and afully extended position. As depicted in FIG. 22, in the flexed position,the lumbar spine is hypo-lordosed. This opens the posterior boundariesof the lumbar vertebral bodies and allows for easier placement of anyinterbody devices. The lumbar spine stretches slightly in this position.As depicted in FIG. 23, in the extended position, the lumbar spine islordosed. This compresses the lumbar spine. When posterior fixationdevices, such as rods and screws, are placed, optimal sagittal alignmentcan be achieved. During sagittal alignment, little to negligible anglechange occurs between the thighs and the pelvis. The pelvic-tiltmechanism 30 also can hyper-extend the hips as a means of lordosing thespine, in addition to tilting the pelvis. One of ordinary skill willrecognize, however, that straightening the patient's legs does notlordose the spine. Leg straightening is a consequence of rotating thepelvis while maintaining a fixed angle between the pelvis and thethighs.

The sagittal adjustment assembly 28, having the configuration describedabove, further includes an ability to compress and distract the spinedynamically while in the lordosed or flexed positions. The sagittaladjustment assembly 28 also includes safety stops (not shown) to preventover-extension or compression of the patient, and sensors (not shown)programmed to send patient position feedback to the safety stops.

As depicted in FIGS. 24-26, for example, the coronal adjustment assembly34 is configured to support and manipulate the patient's torso, andfurther to correct a spinal deformity, including but not limited to ascoliotic spine. As depicted in FIGS. 24-26, for example, the coronaladjustment assembly 34 includes a lever 280 linked to an arcuateradio-lucent paddle 282. As depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25, for example, arotatable shaft 284 is linked to the lever 280 via a transmission 286,and the rotatable shaft 284 projects from an end of the chest supportplate 100. Rotation of the rotatable shaft 284 is translated by thetransmission 286 into rotation of the lever 280, causing the paddle 282,which is linked to the lever 280, to swing in an arc. Furthermore, aservomotor (not shown) interconnected with the rotatable shaft 284 canbe computer controlled and/or operated by the operator of the surgicalframe 10 to facilitate controlled rotation of the lever 280.

As depicted in FIG. 24, for example, adjustments can be made to theposition of the paddle 282 to manipulate the torso and straighten thespine. As depicted in FIG. 25, when the offset main beam 12 ispositioned such that the patient P is positioned in a lateral position,the coronal adjustment assembly 34 supports the patient's torso. Asfurther depicted in FIG. 26, when the offset main beam 12 is positionedsuch that the patient P is positioned in a prone position, the coronaladjustment assembly 34 can move the torso laterally, to correct adeformity, including but not limited to a scoliotic spine. When thepatient is strapped in via straps (not shown) at the chest and legs, thetorso is relatively free to move and can be manipulated. Initially, thepaddle 282 is moved by the lever 280 away from the offset main beam 12.After the paddle 282 has been moved away from the offset main beam 12,the torso can be pulled with a strap towards the offset main beam 12.The coronal adjustment assembly 34 also includes safety stops (notshown) to prevent over-extension or compression of the patient, andsensors (not shown) programmed to send patient position feedback to thesafety stops.

Portions of a preferred embodiment of a surgical frame are generallyindicated by the numeral 300 in FIGS. 27-32. The surgical frame 300serves as an exoskeleton to support the body of the patient P as thepatient's body is manipulated thereby. In doing so, the surgical frame300 serves to support the patient P such that the patient's spine doesnot experience unnecessary stress/torsion.

The surgical frame 300 is similar to the surgical frame 10, and thus,the surgical frame 300 contains features similar to those of thesurgical frame 10. Like the surgical frame 10, the surgical frame 300can include the offset main beam 12. Although not shown, the surgicalframe 300, like the surgical frame 10, can include the head support 20,the arm supports 22, the pelvic-tilt mechanism 30, and the legadjustment mechanism 32. However, rather than relying solely on eitherof the torso-lift supports 24 and 26, the surgical frame 300 includes atorso-sling support generally indicated by the numeral 302.

The torso-sling support 302 is used in supporting the patient's torso onthe surgical frame 300. As discussed below, the torso-sling support 302affords access to the posterior side, specifically, the posterior torso(or back) of the patient P. In doing so, the torso-sling support 302serves in effectively hanging the patient's torso on the surgical frame300, when the patient P is in the lateral position (FIGS. 27-32). Thetorso-sling support 302 can be used by itself or in conjunction witheither of the torso-lift supports 24 and 26 to support the patient Pwith respect to the surgical frame 300.

As depicted in FIGS. 27-32, the torso-sling support 302 includes asupport frame 304, support straps 306, and a bracket and ring portion308. As discussed below, the support frame 304 includes portions forcontacting and supporting the lateral sides, shoulders, and neck on theposterior side of the patient P, and the support straps 306 includeportions for contact and supporting a lateral side and a shoulder of thepatient P. As depicted in FIGS. 27-32, the support straps 306 contactand support the right lateral side and the right shoulder of the patientP. Furthermore, the bracket and ring portion 308 facilitates attachmentof portions of the support straps 306 thereto. As discussed below, thebracket and ring portion 308 serves to attach the torso-sling support302 to the remainder of the surgical frame 300.

To facilitate use of the torso-sling support 302, the patient P is firstsupported by the surgical frame 300 in a prone position, and thereafter,the torso-sling support 302 is attached to the patient P. The surgicalframe 300 includes a chest support plate 310 and optional chest supportpads 311 for supporting the chest of the patient P thereon. The chestsupport plate 310 is used in supporting the patient P in the proneposition on the surgical frame 300, and the chest support pads 311 canbe positioned between the surgical frame 300 and the patient P. Besidesusing the chest support pads 311 to cushion the patient P on the chestsupport plate 310, various thicknesses of chest support pads 311 can beused to alter the distance between the chest support plate 310 and thepatient P. To illustrate, thinner chest support pads 311 can be usedwhen it is desirous to have the patient P positioned closer to the chestsupport plate 310, and thicker chest support pads 311 can be used whenit is desirous to have the patient P positioned farther away from thechest support plate 310.

The chest support plate 310 can be part of either of the torso-liftsupports 24 and 26, when either of the torso-lift supports are used withthe surgical frame. Otherwise, the chest support plate 310 can beattached directly to the remainder of the surgical frame 300. To thatend, the chest support plate 310 is attached to the offset main beam 12by a support post 312 and support collar 314. The support post 312 canbe attached to the offset main beam 12, and the support collar 314 canbe attached at or adjacent an end of the chest support plate 310. Thesupport collar 314 is sized to receive a portion of the support post 312therein, and movement of the support collar 314 with respect to thesupport post 312 serves in positioning and repositioning the chestsupport plate 310. To facilitate fixation of the position of the supportcollar 314 relative to the support post 312, a pin 316, apertures 318through opposed sides of the support collar 314, and sets of apertures(not shown) through opposed sides of the support post 312 are provided.When the apertures 318 are aligned with one of the sets of apertures320, insertion of one of the pin 316 through the apertures 318 and oneof the sets of apertures 320 serves to hold the support collar 314 inposition relative to the support post 312, and fix the chest supportplate 310 in position.

The bracket and ring portion 308 can be attached at or adjacent an endof the chest support plate 310 opposite from the support collar 314. Thebracket and ring portion 308 includes a bracket portion 322, a ringportion 324, and a clamp portion 326. As depicted in FIGS. 28 and 32,the bracket portion 322 is attached to the chest support plate 310, andthe ring portion 324 extends outwardly from the bracket portion 322. Thering portion 324 and clamp portion 326 serve as points of attachment forthe support straps 306.

The support frame 304 includes a transition portion 330, a first sideportion 332 extending from the transition portion 330, and a second sideportion 334 extending from the transition portion 330. Generally, thetransition portion 330, the first side portion 332, and the second sideportion 334 form a U-shape. As depicted in FIG. 27, the transitionportion 330 is positionable adjacent the neck and the shoulders on theposterior side of the patient P, the first side portion 332 extends fromthe left shoulder of the patient P along the left lateral side of thepatient's back to the patient's left hip, and the second side portion334 extends from the right shoulder of the patient P along the rightlateral side of the patient's back to the patient's right hip. In doingso, the support frame 304 provides access to a substantial portion ofthe posterior torso (or back) of the patient P.

The transition portion 330 includes a central member 340, a first member342, and a second member 344. As depicted in FIG. 27, the central member340 is positioned adjacent the patient's neck on the posterior side ofthe patient P, the first member 342 is positioned adjacent the patient'sleft shoulder on the posterior side of the patient P, and the secondmember 344 is positioned adjacent the patient's right shoulder on theposterior side of the patient P. The angle between the central member340 and the first member 342 and the angle between the central member340 and the second member 344 can be configured to accommodate theanatomy of the patient's neck and shoulders. Furthermore, the first andsecond side portions 332 and 334 each include a third member 346 and afourth member 348. The angles between each of the third members 346 andthe fourth members 348 can also be configured to accommodate the anatomyof the left and right lateral sides of the patient's back.

The support straps 306 are used in conjunction with the bracket and ringportion 308 and the support frame 304 to hang the patient's torso on thesurgical frame 300. A first support strap 350 and a second support strap352 extend from the bracket and ring portion 308 to the first sideportion 332. In doing so, the first and second support straps 350 and352, as depicted in FIGS. 27 and 28, pass adjacent the left lateral sideof the patient P. More specifically, the first support strap 350 extendsfrom the ring portion 324 to the third member 346 of the first sideportion 332, and the second support strap 352 extends from the ringportion 324 to the fourth member 348 of the first side portion 332.

Additionally, a third support strap 354 and a fourth support strap 356extend from the bracket and ring portion 308 to the second side portion334. In doing so, the third and fourth support straps 354 and 356, asdepicted in FIGS. 29, 30, and 32, pass adjacent the patient's anteriortorso and right lateral side. More specifically, the third support strap354 extends from the clamp portion 326 adjacent the ring portion 324,and contacts the patient's upper anterior torso and right lateral sideas it extends to the third member 346 of the second side portion 334;and the fourth support strap 356 extends from the clamp portion 326adjacent the ring portion 324, and contacts the patient's lower anteriortorso and right lateral side as it extends to the fourth member 348 ofthe second side portion 334. In contacting the patient P, the third andfourth support straps 354 and 356 serve to cradle the portions of thepatient's right lateral side and torso (including the patient's chestand stomach).

To facilitate attachment thereto, the first, second, third, and fourthsupport straps 350, 352, 354, and 356 can include portions formed asloops that can be received on the support frame 304 and/or the bracketand ring portion 308. For example, the first support strap 350 can belooped around the third member 346 of the first side portion 332 and canbe looped around the ring portion 324, and the second support strap 352can be looped around the fourth member 348 of the first side portion332, and can be looped around the ring portion 324. Furthermore, thethird support strap 354 can be attached to the bracket and ring portion308 by the clamp portion 326, and can be looped around the third member346 of the second side portion 334, and the fourth support strap 356 canbe attached to the bracket and ring portion 308 by the clamp portion326, and can be looped around the fourth member 348 of the second sideportion 334.

The loops formed by the first, second, third, and fourth support straps350, 352, 354, and 356 should be strong enough to hold at least aportion of the weight of the patient P. As such, the loops formed by thefirst, second, third, and fourth support straps 350, 352, 354, and 356can be fixed or formed by connections such as Velcro, buckles, buttons,clasps, catches, or other fastening mechanisms.

To facilitate attachment of the third and fourth support straps 354 and356 to the bracket and ring portion 308, end portions of the third andfourth support straps 354 and 356 are inserted through the ring portion324, and the clamp portion 326 is then used to clamp these end portionsto the bracket and ring portion 308. As depicted in FIGS. 28 and 32, theclamp portion 326 includes a clasp 360 and fasteners 362 that are usedto clamp the ends of the third and fourth support straps 354 and 356against portions of the bracket and ring portion 308. More specifically,after the end portions of the third and fourth support straps 354 and356 are inserted through the ring portion 324, the clasp 360 is attachedusing the fasteners 362 to the bracket and ring portion 308 in orderclamp these end portions in position. In doing so, the end portions ofthe third and fourth support straps 354 and 356 are effectivelysandwiched between the clamp portion 326 and the bracket portion 322.The first and second support straps 350 and 352 also can be attached tothe bracket and ring portion 308 in a similar manner.

A fifth support strap 358, like the first, second, third, and fourthsupport straps 350, 352, 354, and 356, can be used in conjunction withthe support frame 304 to hang a portion of the patient's torso on thesurgical frame 300. As depicted in FIGS. 30-32, the fifth support strap358 extends from the transition portion 330 and contacts the patient Pas the fifth support strap 358 extends to the second support strap 352.More specifically, the fifth support strap 358 extends from the secondmember 344 of the transition portion 330, contacts the patient's neckand right shoulder, and is attached to the second support strap 352adjacent the patient's upper anterior torso at 364. As such, the fifthsupport strap 358 serves to cradle portions of the patient's neck andright shoulder. To facilitate cradling of portions of the patient P, thefifth support strap 358 can be formed as a loop that can be received onthe support frame 304. The loop of the fifth support strap 358 should bestrong enough to hold at least a portion of the weight of the patient P,and can be fixed or formed by the above-described fastening mechanisms.

The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth support straps 350, 352,354, 356, and 358 can have different thicknesses and be padded alongtheir lengths. For example, the third, fourth, and fifth support straps354, 356, and 358 can be thicker and padded where these support strapsare contacted to the patient P.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of supporting a patient on a surgical frameincluding a chest support plate and a torso-sling, the methodcomprising: supporting the patient in a prone position on a main beam ofthe surgical frame; contacting at least portion of a chest of thepatient to the chest support plate, the chest support plate beingattached relative to the main beam of the surgical frame; positioning aframe portion of the torso-sling by positioning a first portion of theframe portion adjacent a first lateral side of the patient, positioninga second portion of the frame portion adjacent a second lateral side ofthe patient, and positioning a transition portion of the frame portionadjacent the head and shoulders of the patient; attaching a firstsupport strap from adjacent the chest support plate to the first portionof the frame portion; attaching a second support strap from adjacent thechest support plate to the second portion of the frame portion; rotatingthe main beam to move the patient from the prone position to a lateralposition; and supporting at least the torso of the patient in a hangingposition relative to the main beam using the frame portion, the firstsupport strap, and the second support strap.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising accessing, when the patient is supported in thehanging position, an access area defined between the first portion, thesecond portion, and the transition portion of the frame portion, thetransition portion extending between the first portion and the secondportion of the frame portion.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein, whenthe torso of the patient is supported in the hanging position, the firstsupport strap extends in part adjacent portions of the first lateralside of the torso of the patient, the second support strap extends inpart adjacent and contacting portions of the second lateral side of thetorso.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching a thirdsupport strap from the transition portion to the second support strap,the third support strap, when the patient is supported in the hangingposition, extending from adjacent portions of the shoulder adjacent thesecond lateral side of the patient.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising attaching a first end and a second end of the first supportstrap relative to a bracket provided adjacent the chest support plate,and attaching a first end and a second end of the second support strapto the bracket.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the surgical frameincludes a first support portion, a second support portion, and at leastone connecting member, the first support portion supporting the mainbeam at the first end thereof, the second support portion supporting themain beam at the second end thereof, the at least one connecting memberconnecting the first and second support portions to one another, and themain beam being rotatably supported relative to the first supportportion and the second support portion.
 7. A method of supporting apatient on a surgical frame using a torso-sling, the method comprising:supporting the patient in a prone position on a main beam of thesurgical frame; positioning a frame portion of the torso-sling bypositioning a first portion of the frame portion adjacent a firstlateral side of the patient, positioning a second portion of the frameportion adjacent a second lateral side of the patient, and positioning atransition portion of the frame portion adjacent the head and shouldersof the patient; attaching a first support strap relative to the mainbeam to the first portion of the frame portion; attaching a secondsupport strap relative to the main beam to the second portion of theframe portion; rotating the main beam to move the patient from the proneposition to a lateral position; and supporting at least the torso of thepatient in a hanging position relative to the main beam using the frameportion, the first support strap, and the second support strap.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, further comprising accessing, when the torso of thepatient is supported in the hanging position, an access area definedbetween the first portion, the second portion, and the transitionportion of the frame portion, the transition portion extending betweenthe first portion and the second portion of the frame portion.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein, when the patient is supported in the hangingposition, the first support strap extends in part adjacent portions ofthe first lateral side of the torso of the patient, the second supportstrap extends in part adjacent and contacting portions of the secondlateral side of the torso.
 10. The method of claim 7, further comprisingattaching a third support strap from the transition portion to thesecond support strap, the third support strap, when the patient issupported in the hanging position, extending from adjacent portions ofthe shoulder adjacent the second lateral side of the patient.
 11. Themethod of claim 7, further comprising attaching a first end and a secondend of the first support strap relative to a bracket supported by themain beam, and attaching a first end and a second end of the secondsupport strap to the bracket.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein thesurgical frame includes a first support portion, a second supportportion, and at least one connecting member, the first support portionsupporting the main beam at the first end thereof, the second supportportion supporting the main beam at the second end thereof, the at leastone connecting member connecting the first and second support portionsto one another, and the main beam being rotatably supported relative tothe first support portion and the second support portion.
 13. A methodof supporting a patient on a surgical frame using a torso-sling, themethod comprising: supporting the patient in a prone position on a mainbeam of the surgical frame; positioning a frame portion of thetorso-sling by positioning a first portion of the frame portion adjacenta first lateral side of the patient, and positioning a second portion ofthe frame portion adjacent a second lateral side of the patient;attaching a first support strap relative to the main beam to the firstportion of the frame portion; attaching a second support strap relativeto the main beam to the second portion of the frame portion; rotatingthe main beam to move the patient from the prone position to a lateralposition; and hanging at least the torso of the patient relative to themain beam using the frame portion, the first support strap, and thesecond support strap.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprisingaccessing, when the torso of the patient is supported in a hangingposition, an access area defined between the first portion and thesecond portion.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein, when the torso ofthe patient is supported in a hanging position, the first support strapextends in part adjacent portions of the first lateral side of the torsoof the patient, the second support strap extends in part adjacent andcontacting portions of the second lateral side of the torso.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the frame portion includes a transitionportion extending between the first portion and the second portion; andfurther comprising attaching a third support strap from the transitionportion to the second support strap, the third support strap, when thetorso of the patient is supported in a hanging position, extending fromadjacent portions of the shoulder adjacent the second lateral side ofthe patient.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising attaching afirst end and a second end of the first support strap relative to abracket supported by the main beam, and attaching a first end and asecond end of the second support strap to the bracket.
 18. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the surgical frame includes a first support portion, asecond support portion, and at least one connecting member, the firstsupport portion supporting the main beam at the first end thereof, thesecond support portion supporting the main beam at the second endthereof, the at least one connecting member connecting the first andsecond support portions to one another, and the main beam beingrotatably supported relative to the first support portion and the secondsupport portion.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein supporting thepatient on the main beam of the surgical frame includes contacting thetorso of the patient to a chest support plate, the chest support platebeing supported by the main beam of the surgical frame.
 20. The methodof claim 19, wherein the chest support plate includes a bracket attachedthereto, a first end and a second end of the first support strap isattached to the bracket, and a first end and a second end of the secondsupport strap is attached to the bracket.